National Association Of State Boating Law Administrators News

A Strategic Look Forward.It is my honor to serve as PVA’s President. My company, Padelford Packet Boat Co., Saint Paul, MN, has proudly, and actively, been a member of this organization since its inception almost 50 years ago when it was previously known as the National Association of Passenger Vessel Operators (NAPVO).While PVA is rich in history, it by no means is stuck in old ways. PVA is always evolving to mirror the ever-advancing world of passenger vessel operations. As the voice of the passenger vessel industry…

The National Transportation Safety Board issued a report Thursday identifying the risks associated with the shared use of America’s Marine Transportation System by recreational and commercial vessels. The growth of both commercial and recreational vessel traffic during the last several decades is a significant risk factor. The number of canoers, kayakers and standup paddleboarders increased by nearly 22 percent between 2008 and 2014. The diversity of waterway users and their differences in experience, navigational knowledge, and boat-handling skills exacerbate the safety risk.

Press Release -- The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) Enforcement & Training Committee voted to expand its Patrol Edition Boat Program to include additional models by Brunswick Commercial and Government Products (BCGP). Designed by law enforcement for law enforcement, the NASBLA Patrol Edition vessels are selected by the committee to meet the demands of maritime first responders and boating safety officers. Originally launched at last year's annual NASBLA conference in Bar Harbor, Maine, the first vessel in the program was a 21-foot Boston Whaler Guardian model, which was delivered to the Maine Department of Marine Resources, Bureau of Marine Patrol.

Maritime security experts are gathering this week at Maritime Security 2015 East in Jacksonville, Florida, to exchange information and ideas, as well as learn about and see emerging technologies and operational concepts in action. Presentations were made by speakers from the Navy and Coast Guard, along with state, city and local organizations with maritime security and law enforcement responsibilities. The event is taking place at the Jacksonville JAXPORT Cruise Terminal. A dramatic on water demonstration was led by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

SAFE Boats International announced a Mission Partner Sponsorship with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Signed on July 28, 2014, this agreement unifies the interconnected missions of both organizations to jointly enhance the safety and security of our nation’s waterways by strengthening the abilities and enhancing the knowledge and skills of every maritime law enforcement officer and emergency responder. “We are very proud to call SAFE Boats International our Mission Partner,” says NASBLA Deputy Executive Director John Fetterman.

Maritime security and law enforcement experts are gathering in Boston this week to better understand maritime domain awareness and the challenges of port, waterway and coastal security, environmental protection, safety and law enforcement. One big lesson learned is that everything is just a little more challenging on the water. A number of law enforcement agencies from the New England area are attending and participating that have specific duties and functions associated with the maritime environment…

C-PORT, Conference of Professional Operators for Response Towing, the national association for the Marine Assistance Industry, announced the hiring of Tina Cardone as Executive Director. Formerly the Director of Government Affairs at C-PORT, Cardone will consolidate that position into her newly assigned role. “The Association was designed to have one position fulfilling both responsibilities,” commented Terry Hill, C-PORT Chairman. During this transitory time, Cardone is focused on the Annual C-Port Conference to be held January 25-January 27, 2010 in Arlington, Va.